The Mortgage Files

Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.

How to get a mortgage with a brand-new job

By Scott Sheldon / March 31, 2016

Changing jobs is a natural byproduct of an ongoing career. If trying to look good for a bank, here is what you need to know for your new job to count for a mortgage. Mortgage companies typically want you to have the same field of work for the most recent last two years. A solid…

These ridiculous things could be needed to buy a home

By Scott Sheldon / March 27, 2016

It is no secret getting approved for a mortgage loan requires a fair amount of paperwork. Here is what you should know if there if there is anything questionable in your past… When you apply for a mortgage for the first time or you’re a little rusty on the process, it’s reasonable to expect some…

3 spots your down payment monies should not be

By Scott Sheldon / March 18, 2016

Buying home is probably the largest financial transaction you will ever do life. Where you store your down payment funds can mean difference between a smooth or dicey process… Buying a home does require a down payment of at least 3.5%. While there are programs which require no money down, most have more restrictive income…

These forms of income can help you land a mortgage

By Scott Sheldon / March 12, 2016

In today’s world of mortgage lending showing enough income is paramount to qualifying. Here are some alternative income forms that can be used for a mortgage qualifying… Mortgage banks look for income to offset debt. If you’re monthly debt payments exceed your income you may have a tough time qualifying for a mortgage. Underwriting which…

Make your credit fit the mortgage box

By Scott Sheldon / March 6, 2016

If you have some credit challenges preventing you from getting mortgage with competitive rates and fees, read on. Here are some tips you can take to the bank… Know this: you need not have perfect credit to buy a home or get a mortgage. Your credit just needs to be sufficient; good, bad, ugly or…

2 simple reasons why your mortgage might not show up on your credit report

By Scott Sheldon / February 26, 2016

Your home mortgage is reported to the credit bureaus each month just like any other credit obligation. These reporting practices aides’ banks in granting credit requests. Here are two reasons why your mortgage loan might not show up on your credit report… Your loan is in the name of someone else-When you apply for a…

How to cash out refinance a loan bigger than 417k

By Scott Sheldon / February 20, 2016

Lending guidelines were recently loosened on cash out refinance transactions. If you’re looking to refinance and pull out funds for home improvement, or another project, here’s what you should know if your loan size exceeds $417,000. Mortgage loans bigger than $417,000 are going to cost more. Here’s why: when a mortgage loan exceeds $417k the…

Can you benefit from an adjustable rate mortgage?

By Scott Sheldon / February 12, 2016

Most people who apply for mortgages base their decision on how much they can afford while keeping costs low and manageable. Here are some things to consider if you’re looking at a shorter-term financial picture… Fixed Rate vs. ARM The mortgage king is still the plain old 30 year fixed rate. On such a mortgage…